What health checks do I need? BETA
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Enter a few details and get a personal list of the screening tests, check-ups and vaccines recommended in Australia for someone like you. It updates as you type.
Quick answer: Most Australian adults need a blood pressure check at least every 2 years and a yearly flu vaccine. Add cervical screening every 5 years from 25, a free bowel test kit every 2 years from 45, a heart risk check from 45 (30 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), breast screening every 2 years from 50, and extra vaccines from 65. Your list depends on your age, sex, background and smoking history.
General information for people without symptoms, based on Australian guidelines. Your GP may recommend different checks based on your history. If you have symptoms, see a doctor; don’t wait for a screening test. In an emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number; from a mobile, 112 works in most countries. If you’re thinking about suicide or don’t feel safe, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 (both 24/7).
Outside Australia?
Screening programs, ages and free vaccines differ from country to country, so check your own national program. In the UK, see the NHS screening guide; in the US, the USPSTF recommendations.
Checks at a glance, by age
- 18 and over: blood pressure at least every 2 years, yearly flu vaccine (recommended for everyone), dental check-ups, skin awareness. A yearly STI check if you’re sexually active and under 30.
- 25 to 74: cervical screening every 5 years for women and people with a cervix.
- 40 and over: diabetes risk check (AUSDRISK) every 3 years. Free breast screening is available from 40.
- 45 to 74: free bowel screening kit every 2 years (request it at 45 to 49). Heart risk check from 45 to 79.
- 50 to 74: invited breast screening every 2 years. Lung screening from 50 to 70 for people with a heavy smoking history. Whooping cough booster recommended at 50.
- 65 and over: free flu, COVID-19 and shingles vaccines, whooping cough booster, yearly hearing and falls checks.
- 70 and over: free pneumococcal vaccine; bone density scan covered by Medicare.
- 75 and over: ask your GP about the RSV vaccine, 2 COVID-19 doses a year, yearly health assessment.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: a free yearly health check at any age, heart risk checks from 30, diabetes risk checks from 18, and free vaccines at younger ages. In Newcastle and the Hunter, see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
How we made this list
- It follows the RACGP Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (the “Red Book”, 10th edition), the national screening programs, the National Immunisation Program and the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Each card names its source and section. The wording is our own plain-English summary, not the guideline text.
- Every age, interval and eligibility rule was checked against its source on 9 November 2026. Programs change, so we review the rules regularly.
- It covers people without symptoms. If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system, you’ll usually need more checks, more often. Your GP will tailor them.
Common questions
What health checks do I need at 40?
In Australia: a blood pressure check at least every 2 years, a type 2 diabetes risk check (AUSDRISK) every 3 years from 40, cervical screening every 5 years if you have a cervix, and a yearly flu vaccine. Women can have free breast screening from 40, though invitations start at 50. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should also have a heart risk check (from 30) and a yearly 715 health check.
What health checks do I need at 50?
A free bowel screening kit every 2 years (from 45), a heart risk check (from 45 to 79), blood pressure and diabetes risk checks, cervical screening every 5 years and breast screening every 2 years for women. Lung screening is free from 50 to 70 for people with at least 30 pack-years who smoke or quit within 10 years. Men can talk with their GP about PSA testing. A whooping cough booster is recommended at 50.
What health checks do I need at 65?
Keep up bowel, breast and cervical screening (to 74) and heart risk checks (to 79). From 65 the flu, COVID-19 and shingles vaccines are free, a whooping cough booster is recommended if you haven’t had one in 10 years, and a yearly hearing check and falls check are advised. The pneumococcal vaccine is free from 70. Ask your GP about the RSV vaccine; it may be free for you.
When does bowel cancer screening start in Australia?
At 45. People aged 45 to 49 can request a free home test kit online or on 1800 627 701; from 50 to 74 a kit is posted every 2 years.
Who can have lung cancer screening in Australia?
People aged 50 to 70 with no symptoms who have at least 30 pack-years of smoking and either still smoke or quit in the past 10 years. It’s a free low-dose CT scan every 2 years, arranged by your GP.
Sources
- RACGP. Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, 10th edition (Red Book). Sections 7 (cancer), 8 (cardiovascular and kidney), 11 (infections and immunisation), 12.3 (falls), 13 (mental health and substance use), 14 (metabolic), 15.2 (osteoporosis), 16 (reproductive health), 17 (hearing, oral health, vision)
- Australian Government: National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. ages 45 to 74, every 2 years
- Australian Government: National Cervical Screening Program. 25 to 74, every 5 years, self-collection
- Australian Government: Who should have a breast screen. invited 50 to 74; eligible 40 to 49 and 75+
- Australian Government: How the National Lung Cancer Screening Program works. 50 to 70, 30 pack-years, smoking now or quit within 10 years
- PCFA. 2026 Guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer: summary of recommendations (NHMRC-approved)
- 2023 Australian guideline for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk. MJA 2024. 45 to 79; First Nations 30 to 79; reassessment intervals
- Heart Foundation: Heart Health Checks
- Kidney Health Australia: Know if you are at risk. yearly and 2-yearly Kidney Health Checks
- Australian Government: Immunisation for adults. free flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines; pregnancy vaccines
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: influenza. everyone 6 months and older, every year
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: pertussis. boosters at 50 and 65; 20 to 32 weeks of every pregnancy
- ATAGI statement on the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the National Immunisation Program (September 2026)
- Australian Government: RSV vaccine for older Australians, consumer fact sheet (2026)
- Australian Government: RSV vaccine in pregnancy. free at 28 to 36 weeks
- Healthy Bones Australia and RACGP: osteoporosis management flowchart. and healthdirect: bone density scan
- Australian Government: Supporting patients with hearing loss. checks from 50; yearly from 65
- Australian Government: Annual health checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- CESPHN: 75+ health assessments
- WA Health: STI screening recommendations for priority populations
- NSW Health: folate and iodine in pregnancy
General information for people without symptoms, based on Australian guidelines. Your GP may recommend different checks based on your history. If you have symptoms, see a doctor; don’t wait for a screening test. In an emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number. For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76 (both 24/7).
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